The Sharjah Ramadan Council last night (Sunday, May 17) turned the spotlight on the humanitarian contribution of the United Arab Emirates and its numerous international charity initiatives.  Thanks to the leadership and directives of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may Allah protect him, the country has emerged as the largest donor of foreign aid, earning itself global recognition and respect.   

 
Hosted by the Sharjah Press Club of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the fourth session of the immensely popular Sharjah Ramadan Majlis, which has been broadcasting the proceedings this year online through the social networking platform, Instagram, was headlined by HE Dr Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of THE Emirates Red Crescent, and Fahad Butti Al Muhairi, Director of Support Services Department at the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA). The session titled, ‘UAE and its Humanitarian Efforts,’ was hosted by television host Ahmed Sultan of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority.
 
UAE’s culture of philanthropy

The Ramadan session drew attention to the fact that charitable work by the UAE is an inherent culture cultivated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah rest his soul, and this approach has been emulated by both citizens and residents. The speakers lauded the spirit of national solidarity and interdependence in the country to crystallise the idea of ​​humanitarian action.

The speakers highlighted the various humanitarian initiatives undertaken by the UAE in cooperation with the concerted efforts of a number of organisations and volunteers, transforming lives of individuals and societies in the region and around the world. They referred in particular to the massive humanitarian efforts that the nation has unveiled locally and internationally to help those affected by the global Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
  
Rich experience
 
Dr Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Emirates Red Crescent Authority, stressed that the UAE is a pioneer in doing good and pursues philanthropy as a national policy. This policy of “giving without gratitude” was cultivated by our founding fathers, said Dr Al Mazrouei pointing to the rich legacy of the nation in providing continuous assistance to the poorest nations of the world.

“Doing good and sharing it with the less advantaged has been an inherent and authentic humanitarian approach of the UAE,” he added.
 
The Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent pointed to the various campaigns and charitable initiatives that are being implemented in the country to reduce the suffering of families facing the Corona epidemic, including offering material and psychological support through initiatives like “You’re with your family” for the families of Coronavirus victims representing various nationalities.
 
Through ‘You’re with your family’ initiative, the Emirates Red Crescent offers all possible support and help to the families of victims to ease their suffering and helping them face the future more confidently.
 
Dr Al Mazrouei praised the professionalism of all those engaged in the charitable and humanitarian work in this hour of crisis, bringing laurels and recognition to the UAE through their relentless and selfless efforts.

The speakers lauded the people of the UAE and their commitment and support to the government efforts to confront the disease, calling for the continuing observance of precautionary measures during the Eid Al Fitr holidays and staying at home to check the Coronavirus and to protect their own families.